Rust removal on a Swatmandu

R

RussDXT

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Jan 13, 2015
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I have been carrying my Swatmandu quite a bit and noticed it has started to get rust spots on it. Nothing pitting but it was surprising none the less by how fast and how much. I have been using olive oil on it as I do with my esses and my ratmandu.

My question is what do you use to get it off? Is steel wool alright? So far a rag and frog lube did nothing.

What should be used to protect it?


Thanks!
 
Not really an answer to the question, but, despite the use of it on your other knives, olive oil is no doubt contributing to the problem - it's acidic and has salt in it...no bueno for carbon steel (or any steel for that matter). Try Camellia oil or 3in1.
 
frog lube is supposed to be applied before rust happens...sorry if you already know this :o

Are you storing it in a leather sheath? If so, is a cheap non-vegetable tanned model? Chemically (chromium) treated leather has been know to induce rust...

FWIW, the DoubleCut finish is the only INFI finish I've had to develop surface rust also...might need to satin it if the rust has gotten a foothold.
 
DO NOT use steel wool or scotch brite, really any abrasives on this finish other than bead blasting with the same type blasting media the shop used (likely ceramic). I would start by trying to rub the spots with a pencil eraser, probably the least invasive method I can think of. If that doesn't work, I might progress to some baking soda with a bit of water or tooth paste on a rag rubbed into the rust spots. Even this may end up causing the finish to be damaged, so use at your own risk.

That would be the reason I have become less enthused with the Double Cut finish as of late, it's really not something you can maintain yourself unless you have blasting cabinet and appropriate media to refresh the finish. Otherwise, all I can think of would be just sending it in to the shop and letting them clean it up. Sucks but everything has a trade off and that's the price you pay for having a matte finish…. :o Of course you could always just say 'fuggetaboutit' and start working towards a satin finish that can be maintained, but really those are the only options unless someone can come up with a better idea.
 
It's is a mashed cat kydex sheath. I had already frog lubed it and I use it for food as well.

I'll try a eraser in the morning.

Thanks. Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.
 
Just use it. There's enough alloy that for the most part it just develops surface rust. Double cut looks good but I wouldn't pay extra $$$ for a glorified beadblast finish.
 
Double cut, to me isn't worth the extra charge. It rusted more frequently and I'm not a fan of the matte finish. I only have one double cut that I haven't sanded and that's because I'm keeping it original
 
Use it, and use some mineral oil before putting it away. I've had some minor surface rust develop on a stripped blade recently, due to Minnesotas humid weather the last week or so. It rubbed off with my fingertips. Nothing more. You should literally have no worries, other than the rust forming will make it look more used. I can't imagine there being any sort of problem if its the same type as mine.

You could also try VERY VERY high grit sandpaper if you don't mind scratching the coating.
 
knife chop said:
Just use it. There's enough alloy that for the most part it just develops surface rust. Double cut looks good but I wouldn't pay extra $$$ for a glorified beadblast finish.
Click to expand...

There are some who require a matte non-reflective finish for tactical purposes, other than that there's very little reason to go with it unless you can't stand coatings and it's the cheapest way to achieve that.
 
Cleaning surface rust:
1) Small spots--WD40, a bit of steel wool worked with the tip of a cotton swab
2) Larger areas--Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and WD40.

Non-toxic rust prevention:
Food grade silicone spray. I use CRC. Just wash and dry blade, spray it down with food-grade silicon, shake off excess and leave to air dry. Google "food grade silicone spray".

Double-cut INFI shows the least effect of surface use on hard-use knives of any finish in my opinion, but marring and some discoloration will always remain. If you use your knives hard, you expect that and don't mind the character marks. Doesn't show scratches/marring from heavy beating/abrasion as much as satin, in my experience, but light use cleans up easier on satin and satin is more rust/oxidation resistant.
 
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A product that I've had great success with keeping my blades safe from rust is A.G. Russell Knives RustFree. Usually, one drop per side will coat the blade.
 
I wouldn't worry about it. Use it and abuse it, love it and beat it. Give it some character and make it yours. :)
 
I treat all my blades with Militec-1 by heating them up a little with a hairdryer and wiping them down,let it sit a while and wipe them dry.Seems to really help fight rust and tarnish.
I use Flitz to clean them. Works Great!
 
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